Yesterday, November 8, the Intelligence Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives scheduled CIA Director David Petraeus and Director of National Intelligence James Clapper to give testimony about the attacks in Benghazi at a pair of hearings next Thursday, according to sources.

Today, in a very surprising move and two days after Obama’s re-election, General Petraeus has resigned from the administration over an extramarital affair with his biographer Paula Broadwell, author of “All In: The Education of General David Petreaeus.” The FBI is investigating Broadwell for improperly trying to access his email and possibly gaining access to classified information, law enforcement officials told NBC News.

Bret Baier of Fox News tweeted:

With Petraeus’ resignation effective immediately, he will not testify next week & lawmakers are said to be “stunned” by the announcement

9 November 2012Yesterday afternoon, I went to the White House and asked the President to be allowed, for personal reasons, to resign from my position as D/CIA. After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours. This afternoon, the President graciously accepted my resignation.

As I depart Langley, I want you to know that it has been the greatest of privileges to have served with you, the officers of our Nation’s Silent Service, a work force that is truly exceptional in every regard. Indeed, you did extraordinary work on a host of critical missions during my time as director, and I am deeply grateful to you for that.

Teddy Roosevelt once observed that life’s greatest gift is the opportunity to work hard at work worth doing. I will always treasure my opportunity to have done that with you and I will always regret the circumstances that brought that work with you to an end.Thank you for your extraordinary service to our country, and best wishes for continued success in the important endeavors that lie ahead for our country and our Agency.

With admiration and appreciation,David H. Petraeus

CIA deputy director Michael Morell will serve as acting director of the agency, President Obama confirmed on his statement.